What is this?

[HeatherH]

Hello,

I’m trying to create a manual for my husband about our pool. Everything he needs to know. I realized I have no clue what this thing does! Based on some research, I think it’s a check valve, but what does it do? It’s old, does it need to be replaced? Circled part in picture. Thank you!

 

[1poolman1]

Hello,

I’m trying to create a manual for my husband about our pool. Everything he needs to know. I realized I have no clue what this thing does! Based on some research, I think it’s a check valve, but what does it do? It’s old, does it need to be replaced? Circled part in picture. Thank you!View attachment 489945

Appears to be a sacrificial zinc anode.

Pool Defender® Zinc Anode - CMP

www.c-m-p.com

 

[HeatherH]

Appears to be a sacrificial zinc anode.

Pool Defender® Zinc Anode - CMP

www.c-m-p.com

That does look very similar. What the heck does that do?

 

[1poolman1]

That does look very similar. What the heck does that do?

Here is an explanation. Whether it is actually needed is a discussion that provokes a lot of debate.

Sacrificial Zinc Anode | Sacrificial Anode for Salt Water Installation

A sacrificial zinc anode for salt water pools will help protect metal in your salt water pool from corrosion and other damage.

www.saltwaterpoolandspa.com

 

[duraleigh]

It is a thingamabob. It replaces the doohickey that you used to have......often referred to as the whatchamacallit.

(My apologies.......I REALLY need some time away from my desk! )

I think 1poolman1 nailed it.

 

[1poolman1]

 

[Newdude]

Whether it is actually needed is a discussion that provokes a lot of debate.

Apparently even by the blog/site you linked.

'It's difficult to say whether a sacrificial anode is absolutely necessary for every salt water pool owner. There are a lot of variables that include the overall water chemistry and the types of metals present in your pool system. In most cases the metal used for ladders, steps and light housings is high grade stainless steel which should resist any corroding. In some older pools we have seen that these surfaces have corroded but is probably due to a lower grade of steel or steel plating.'

Newdude's beef with the internet #2639 : SO many sites look so official, or lend one to believe they are the experts in their interest, only to contradict themselves and send folks on a wild goose chase. Far too often, Joe Nobody read a little on the subject and posts up their thoughts, which may or may not have any teeth to them. In this case, I'm at least happy that they mentioned both sides of the coin.

 

[HeatherH]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Oly]

Newdude's beef with the internet #2639 : SO many sites look so official, or lend one to believe they are the experts in their interest, only to contradict themselves and send folks on a wild goose chase. Far too often, Joe Nobody read a little on the subject and posts up their thoughts, which may or may not have any teeth to them. In this case, I'm at least happy that they mentioned both sides of the coin.

This is the fatal flaw of the AI Chat-bot phenomenon we are being sold as the next advanced emerging technology. This game changer tech is simply a software program that amasses human responses to topics. If it sounds human it's because it is, including the mistakes. Give it a mega-phone, a fancy name, an official uniform, sprinkle it with false confidence and watch folks invest.
Peek behind the curtain before getting into the balloon basket.

 

[sktn77a]

This is the fatal flaw of the AI Chat-bot phenomenon we are being sold as the next advanced emerging technology.

Better get used to it. Pretty soon that's all we'll have for "professional" advice - a lot cheaper than employing customer service agents (who probably know even less, in todays world of off-shore help lines, scripts and quotas)!